They received the green light, and they’re finally ready to roll.
The management of Creighton Lodge learned Nov. 25 that their board of directors had given the green light to a major expansion project at the senior residential centre that includes secure housing features for residents requiring only light care.
The expansion concept had to be put on hold a couple of years ago due to a major roof replacement project that had to take precedence, but now it’s on again.
Co-manager Shelly Veroba said the next step for the 1,943-square-foot addition to the lodge will be the tendering for architectural design, which will close in mid-December.
“That will give us the opportunity to start excavation work in mid-May,” she said, adding that “of course this is all dependent on how everything moves forward with the design and contractor. But that’s our desire, our plan at this point.”
Veroba said the required funds of about $480,000 have been secured from generous donors, but that doesn’t mean the fundraising efforts will cease, since there will be unexpected expenses plus furnishing and finishing details to complete the project. as well as an ongoing need to continue a mandate to upgrade all the residential units.
But by adding the nearly 2,000 square feet to the front portion on the east side of the lodge, the residents will be given more space for physical activities and community gatherings without having to infringe on the dining and reception areas.
“It’ll give the residents a place to gather for activities and for special events and provide a better social ambiance,” said Veroba. “I think we’ll be able to add a little more administrative office space, too. If you’ve seen our office, you know that it is needed, too,” she added with a laugh.
The lodge has proved to be hugely popular among the senior population since the Level 1 and 2 facility was taken over in 2010 under an ownership/management agreement by the RMs of Estevan, Cymri, Coalfields, Benson and Cambria. Prior to that the lodge had been operated under the auspices of the Sun Country Health Region, even though it did not qualify under the provincial mandate for health region facilities.
Creighton Lodge features 22 one-bedroom suites, five with a bedroom plus a den, 17 enriched living suites with no kitchen and two bachelor suites, with one of those being rented on a daily basis for family members who wish to stay in the building. The lodge employs six full-time people and five part-timers who give the facility the assurance of having 24-hour-per-day employee coverage.
The lodge was built in the mid-1950s in the Pleasantdale area of the city.
“We have a waiting list of 108 people, so we know how popular it is. It has become a very special place, and I believe the residents here and the staff here have given this place a very positive atmosphere and it’s even more so now,” said Veroba, who shares the management chores with Judy Pratt.
To ensure that future capital needs are met, the lodge is once again conducting a raffle consisting of the sale of $100 tickets with the major prizes being an international trip (voucher or cash equivalent) and three cash awards of $5,000, $3,500 and $1,500. Sales will be restricted to just 1,000 tickets, thus improving the odds for ticket buyers. The draw will be made in May at a fundraising dinner hosted at the Days Inn.
“It’s truly amazing what has happened here in a short time,” said Veroba, referring to a major renovation and refurbishment project that saw several suites upgraded and enlarged to accommodate new utilities and furnishings.
“It’s a comfortable, safe place to be during a transition period for seniors. It’s offering them a lifestyle they can enjoy until they might need the next level of care,” said Veroba.
“I can’t think of a better place for us to be, whether it be as a manager, a caregiver or a resident.”
